Frozen pipes can be a homeowner's worst nightmare during cold temperatures. When water supply lines are frozen, pipes also freeze, which can cause frozen pipe bursts and costly water damage.
As a homeowner or business owner, it's important to know what to do about frozen pipes and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
So, Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze due to prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures, particularly in poorly insulated areas of your home. When the ambient temperature falls below freezing, the water inside the pipes can solidify, especially in exterior walls, cold water plumbing, and crawl spaces.
Without adequate pipe insulation, even the warmest home can experience pipes freezing. The primary cause is the lack of proper insulation around cold water supply lines and exposure to cold air, such as drafty garage spaces or air through wall vents.
Why Is Pipe Freezing a Problem?
Frozen pipes are problematic for several reasons, mainly due to the potential water damage from pipe bursts.
Water Damage: Frozen pipes can lead to costly burst pipes and severe water damage in your home.
Tremendous Pressure: When water freezes, it expands, causing tremendous pressure inside the pipes, resulting in broken pipes.
Interruption of Water Supply: Frozen water lines cut off your drinking water and essential utilities like water heaters and cold water.
Inconvenience: Managing frozen pipes takes considerable effort and disrupts daily life, especially in cold weather conditions.
Health Hazards: Water from unchecked frozen pipes can lead to mold growth, posing health risks.
Pipes Frozen: What to Do to Thaw Safely
Identify the Frozen Section
Locate the frozen pipe section. Check cold water pipes and exterior walls for frost or bulges. Turn on indoor faucets to see if water drips; if it only trickles, there may be an ice blockage. Inspect areas like under kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinetry, and crawl spaces for frozen blockages.
Open the Faucet
Open the faucet connected to the frozen water pipes when dealing with frozen pipes. This allows thawed water to escape and avoids a pressure buildup. Start from the faucet and move toward the blockage, ensuring a gradual flow of melting water. Keep all faucets for water flow in a consistent dribble to aid the thawing process.
Apply Gentle Heat
Use a hair dryer, space heater, or electric heating pad to thaw the frozen pipes carefully. Start from the faucet and move inward towards the blockage. Avoid using high heat sources like a propane torch or flame device, which can damage plastic pipes or result in severe fire hazards. Apply gentle heat and monitor the thawing process to ensure safety.
Use Heat Tape and Cables
For more intense frozen water pipes, heat trace, electrical heat tape, or heating cable around the frozen section for better results. For safety, ensure to use UL-listed "heat tape." These provide a consistent and controlled heat source, effectively thawing ice blockage without causing damage.
Consult a Professional Plumber
Call a professional plumber immediately if you cannot safely thaw the pipes, suspect serious damage, or don't know what to do for frozen pipes. A licensed plumber can handle complex cases, prevent further damage, and restore water supply. Emergencies like potential pipe bursts require prompt, professional intervention to minimize water damage.
How to Prevent Pipes Freezing
Insulate Pipes
Effective pipe insulation is crucial in preventing frozen pipes. Use pipe insulation materials such as fiberglass insulation or pipe sleeves. Cover all exposed cold water plumbing lines, especially exterior walls, basements, or crawl spaces. Double-check insulation to ensure there are no gaps or exposed sections.
Maintain Indoor Temperatures
Keep your indoor temperature consistent, especially during cold weather. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F (13°C) even when away from home. This prevents the interior pipes from dropping to freezing temperatures, which can cause sudden pipe bursts. Use programmable thermostats to maintain a constant temperature throughout your home.
Let Water Drip
During cold temperatures, allow faucets to have a cold water drip. This prevents water from freezing by keeping a small and consistent water flow. Target faucets farthest from the water source for the best results. Doing so reduces the risk of ice blockage in the water lines.
Seal Drafts and Open Cabinet Doors
Seal any drafts in your home to minimize cold air circulation, especially around pipes with insufficient insulation. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate the pipes. This simple action can prevent pipes from freezing in sink cabinets and bathrooms.
Disconnect Garden Hoses and Drain Water
Disconnect and store garden hoses before the onset of winter. This prevents residual water from freezing and causing damage to exterior hose bibs. Drain water from the sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines to avoid freezing.
Don't Know What to Do With Frozen Pipes? Call The Plumber is Here Today
Frozen pipes can cause extensive damage and significant repair costs for homeowners. It is crucial to take immediate and appropriate action when faced with a pipe freeze.
At The Plumber is Here, we offer expert assistance with frozen pipes and other plumbing services. With over 58 years of combined experience, our licensed and insured technicians can effectively help you manage any plumbing emergency.
Don’t wait for pipes to burst. Call The Plumber is Here now for reliable, prompt, and professional plumbing support.
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